Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) Llewellyn James Benais has been charged after a March 4 incident at the Pennington County law enforcement center, according to a criminal complaint.
Prosecutors filed two felony counts of threats of violence. They also filed one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
The complaint says two people were targeted. They are identified by initials as J.G. and H.R.
Charges Filed In District Court
According to the complaint, Benais is accused of threatening two deputies during a dispute in the lobby. The case was filed in Minnesota District Court in Pennington County.
One charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.713, which covers threats of violence. Another charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.72, which covers disorderly conduct.
Readers can review the law here: Minnesota Statute 609.713 and Minnesota Statute 609.72.
What The Complaint Says Happened
The complaint says Benais had been sleeping in the lobby during a period of very cold weather. Deputies had earlier tried to help him find shelter.
According to the filing, deputies contacted Crookston Care and Share during a late-night contact in February. The complaint says intake was not open at that hour.
The filing says Benais later returned to the lobby on March 4. Deputies told him he could stay for a short time. After that, they said he needed to leave.
The complaint says deputies offered him a ride elsewhere. It says that plan did not happen after they learned he could not pay for a room.
Investigators say Benais became angry and loud. The complaint says he moved close to one deputy and used abusive language.
It also says he left the lobby, then came back and kept yelling. During that exchange, the complaint says he pointed at the two deputies and said, “I’m actually going to kill both of you mother fuckers.”
According to the complaint, deputies then followed him outside and arrested him. The filing says he later apologized and admitted he should not have said it.
Prior Record Listed
The complaint also lists prior misdemeanor convictions, including trespass and disorderly conduct. It also lists a previous threats of violence conviction that was deemed a misdemeanor.
Court records in Minnesota can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Help for crime victims in Pennington County is available through the county’s Victim Services page.
Case Status
A criminal complaint contains allegations. It is not a conviction. Benais is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.